A 20-year-old college student, known for her kindness and dedication, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run incident while jogging near the Lawrence Regional Airport in Kansas. The victim, Elsa McGrain, was not discovered until almost 10 hours after the incident, according to local law enforcement.
McGrain, a pre-med student at the University of Kansas and originally from Omaha, Nebraska, was jogging around 6 p.m. on Thursday when she was struck by a vehicle. Her body was found at 3:35 a.m. on Friday by a passerby who alerted the police.
After examining the scene, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that McGrain had been fatally hit while jogging. The vehicle involved in the incident is believed to be an all-white pickup truck, based on images released by the department.
McGrain was a cherished member of her community, both at home and at the University of Kansas. She was set to graduate in 2026 and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, where she held a position on the executive board as house manager.
Her sorority sisters took to Instagram to express their grief and pay tribute to McGrain. They described her as a genuine, kind, and radiant individual who had a knack for making everyone around her feel valued and loved. She was known for her attentiveness and loyalty, always checking in on her friends regardless of the circumstances.
The investigation into the fatal hit-and-run is ongoing. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who recognizes the vehicle of interest or was in the vicinity of E. 1500 Road between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday to contact detectives. The department is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to find the driver involved and ensure justice is served.